N'Zogbia was among those tipped for a summer exit, with his agent having gone on record in January saying the midfielder wanted to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The 22-year-old – who played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's 4-1 win over Hartlepool United at Victoria Park – was also quoted this month in his native France, talking of his admiration for the White Hart Lane club and their north London rivals Arsenal.

"I didn't play a lot towards the end of last season, so that has given me the desire to go somewhere else," said N'Zogbia. "My future will be clearer once I talk to the coach."

Keegan, however, says he has not spoken to N'Zogbia about his future since his return to Tyneside, but insists he is convinced the versatile player wants to stay, having watched him closely in training over the past fortnight.

He told the Gazette: "Charles's pre-season has been absolutely tremendous.

"That's a massive boost for me because I didn't know quite how he'd come back, but he's come back absolutely spot on.

"He's worked very hard, and again, he's a very valuable player because he can play in two or three different positions.

"I haven't talked with him. I don't ask players if they want to stay. They've got contracts. His attitude tells me yes, but I don't ask them."

N'Zogbia – who joined from Le Havre in the summer of 2004 – is entering his fifth season with Newcastle, and he is just four games short of 100 starts for the club.

Newcastle United's second string are in action against Gateshead at the International Stadium tonight. The kick-off is now 7.30pm.